Live: Music Picks Oct. 8-14

Lera Lynn, Gregg Allman, Destroyer and more

Lera Lynn
After entertaining dive bar patrons in five episodes of the popular True Detective this year, Lera Lynn is taking her powerful, moody songs on tour (yes, including some of the ones you heard on the show). The Nashville-based Americana singer and songwriter independently releases her sophomore album, The Avenues (LeraLynn.com), at the end of next month. The tracks from that record that aren't as dark as the ones featured in the HBO series, but they all feature her sultry and smooth as honey-whiskey vocals. Brian Whelan opens. (Tiffany Frandsen) State Room, 638 S. State, 9 p.m., $13, TheStateRoom.com

FRIDAY OCT. 9

Mikky Ekko

Mikky Ekko, Transviolet
Pop-R&B Louisiana artist Mikky Ekko is back in Salt Lake City for the second time in 2015—in March, opening for Broods, and now headlining his own tour. His newest record, Time (RCA) is full of bluesy urban-pop and both moody and catchy tunes. In addition to tracks from the new release, on tap are tracks from his electro EPs and a solo version of his song with Rihanna, "Slow." Joining him on tour is indie band Transviolet, with their debut self-titled EP. "Girls Your Age," from the EP, is flowing, Lorde-like and vocally emphatic. (Tiffany Frandsen) In the Venue, 579 W. 200 South, 7 p.m., $15 in advance, $17 day of, InTheVenueSLC.com

SATURDAY OCT.10

Gregg Allman

Gregg Allman
A co-founder of storied Southern rockers the Allman Brothers, Gregg Allman has had it rough in recent years. In addition to a litany of serious health problems, he also saw Midnight Rider, a biopic named for his biggest hit, canceled because of the on-set death of a crew member, caused by the filmmakers' negligence. On top of that, the Allmans broke up for good late last year. But, you know, maybe Gregg Allman is a pretty fortunate guy after all. He's pushed through hepatitis C, a tumor-ridden liver, lung infections, respiratory infections and addiction. And last year, a cast of talented friends—including Widespread Panic, Dr. John, Robert Randolph and John Hiatt—paid tribute to him on with the 2CD/DVD live set, All My Friends: Celebrating the Songs and Voice of Gregg Allman (Rounder). Being out on the road, after all that Allman survived, is pretty amazing, too—especially when, in YouTube videos of recent shows, he looks no worse for wear. Gabriel Kelley opens. (Randy Harward) The Depot, 400 W. South Temple, 8 p.m., $50 in advance, $55 day of show, DepotSLC.com

MONDAY OCT. 12

Frank Turner & The Sleeping Souls

Frank Turner & The Sleeping Souls
Folk and punk are strange bedfellows, yet they share a belief in the virtues of simple, straightforward songwriting speaking the common language of working-class people. Bahrain-born English singer-songwriter Frank Turner was a part of post-hardcore group Million Dead after the turn of the millennium, but split 10 years ago to embark on a solo career. His latest recording, Positive Songs for Negative People (Xtra Mile) was produced by Butch Walker, to give you an idea of the kind of heart he puts into it. Frank Turner also has the distinction that his name is an entry on UrbanDictionary.com, definitions of which include "to sing loudly enough as to not necessitate a microphone or PA system," and "to be able to denounce the idea of being a rock star while at the same time be[ing] a rock star and mak[ing] it work." That's punk rock, right there! Skinny Lister and Beans on Toast open. (Brian Staker) Urban Lounge, 241 S. 500 East, 9 p.m., $20 in advance, $24 day of show, TheUrbanLoungeSLC.com.

MONDAY OCT. 12

Vactioner

Vacationer
What is "Nu-Hula" music? It's the term Kenny Vasoli (lead singer/bassist) of Philly/Brooklyn-based band Vacationer uses to describe his group's sound. Vasoli, formerly of pop-punk band The Starting Line, now presents a much more leisurely approach to music, and life, recalling the lush, tropical pop of the '50s and '60s, with lyrics that cling to summer like the last leaf to the tree. And Kilby Court in the early autumn, with the fire pit going and a slight nip in the air, is just the place to sing along. For just a moment, feel like you are a perpetual vacationer. Great Good Fine OK open the show. (Brian Staker) Kilby Court, 741 S. 330 West, 8 p.m., $12 in advance, $14 day of show, KilbyCourt.com

TUESDAY OCT. 13

The New Mastersounds

The New Mastersounds
Choose any release by UK jazz-funk fusion quartet The New Mastersounds, put on headphones and fall down the rabbit hole. Therapy (Royal Potato Family), the ultra-prolific band's 10th studio album and 26th release (counting EPs, and 7- and 12-inch singles) is no exception. Its dozen (mainly instrumental) tracks, from opener "Old Man Noises" through "Treasure" are a fun, funky ride through sounds previously explored by groups such as Booker T. & the MGs, Parliament/Funkadelic, The Greyboy Allstars, Karl Denson's Tiny Universe, George Benson and Galactic. There's even a little disco and reggae in the mix, plus a little bit of pop: "Treasure" is a Bruno Mars cover. Pop haters might cringe at the notion of these sickly talented players tackling ostensible dreck, but I'll tell you this: The rabbit hole leads you to weird places, including grudging appreciation of Mars' original version of the song. (Randy Harward) The State Room, 638 S. State, 8 p.m., $25, TheStateRoom.com

WEDNESDAY OCT. 14

Destroyer

Destroyer, Jennifer Castle
You might think Dan Bejar's indie-rock band Destroyer was a side project for him from the more widely publicized Vancouver neighbors New Pornographers. But Destroyer is actually more prolific, and started a few years earlier in the mid-'90s as a home-recording project for Bejar. Among the cognoscenti, Destroyer is as highly lauded. After 2011's middling dancey record, Kaputt, Bejar & Co. return with the double album, Poison Season (Merge/Dead Oceans). His vocal style, along with his unique pop-influenced compositions the focal point of the band, creating a rare combination of continental ennui and openhearted romanticism. His obscure images often resemble poetry and are capable of remarkable transports. Toronto singer-songwriter Jennifer Castle opens. (Brian Staker) Urban Lounge, 241 S. 500 East, 9 p.m., $16 in advance, $18 day of show, TheUrbanLoungeSLC.com.

WEDNESDAY OCT. 14

Kopecky

Kopecky
They've dropped "Family Band" from their name; they're just Kopecky now. But it's cool—they still play "Heartbeat" (released on KFB's 2012 record, Kids Raising Kids between tracks from their recent ATO Records release, Drug For the Modern Age). Things are not always how they seem with this Nashville adult-oriented pop group—they're friends, not blood relations, and even though the album sounds bright and happy, the subject matter is serious and emotional. Their second album is poppier than their debut, but they aren't without range: They play covers of R&B/soul singer The Weeknd's "I Can't Feel My Face" and Fleetwood Mac's "Tusk." Openers Boom Forest and Kitfox will kick things off. (Tiffany Frandsen) Kilby Court, 741 S. 330 West, 8 p.m., $8 in advance, $10 day of show, KilbyCourt.com